Monday, November 29, 2010

Is chivalry comatose?

Chivalry is not dead. I know, because I witnessed several kind and chivalrous acts today, and that made all the difference. Let me explain...I was having one of those rushed days that included everything from a very long wait at the FedEx place, to fishing a tiny, gold, Lego coin out of my six year old's ear. Thank God for tweezers! However, all it takes is one act of kindness from a total stranger to make a person's day.

When I was at FedEx, there was a lady waiting in line with a very cute but restless child in her arms. There was also a man who'd prepared a large package for sending. He was ahead of everyone, and I had watched him fixing his box. I remember thinking that he looked rushed, serious, and a little more restless than the toddler. I was wrong. When the FedEx person went to serve him, he asked her to help the lady with the child first. He made me smile inside, and he earned an everyday hero medal in my mind. The lady with the child thanked him profusely, and he told her he had two little ones at home and knew what she was going through.

After that, I had to run to Target to pick up a prescription. I approached the store's automatic doors at the same time as an elderly fellow. I stopped and invited him to go ahead of me. He stopped and insisted that I go first. As he followed me in he said, "Chivalry is not dead. It might be comatose, but it's not dead." I thanked him and told him that it only takes one man to revive it. He laughed, and it made my day.

So I ask you, what chivalrous acts have you noticed lately? Do you think chivalry died with women's lib? Have you come across a hero in a contemporary romance who has done something sigh-worthy that you'd label as chivalrous?

okay this might be funny but I might inspire the chivalrous gene in pple. My hubs says when I shake hands its like I am actually presenting them with my hand and not shaking them so I should not be surprised that pple open doors for me or ask me 2 go first.

Joanna, that's awesome! You should start a movement. I'm laughing just imagining all the confused, goofy looks women would get from today's men if we presented them with our hands like in the olden days. Have you ever had anyone lift your hands to their lips? It happened to me once. It was a man from europe. I'd say I'm the one who was caught by surprise.

That is so nice Rula! As the wife of the guy who stops to help people change tires on the side of the road no matter how much of a hurry we're in, I get to see it pretty regularly, and it's lovely. I *think* I'm teaching my sons to be like that, we'll see if I'm a success. It really doesn't take much to be kind and take a second to do them a solid.

How great to be able to experience something so positive! And twice in one day! You know, personally I can't think when something like that happened to me or even when I've witnessed it. Not from a stranger anyway!

Hi Kaily. Hmmm. I'm starting to wonder if chivalry is influenced by location. Smaller towns vs bigger cities etc...I'm sure there would be exceptions to that. Maybe you'll see more of it as the holidays approach :).

I really think that's true. It's still round--especilly in the south. We have a male friend (who's single) who ALWAYS stands up if a lady gets up in the middle of her meal at the table. He stands when she returns too. I don't know why but it's very sigh worthy. LOL

I have been using a walker for the last year and can say with gratitude that people are usually very helpful with doors, etc. Every now and then someone in a hurry will practically knock me over in their rush but that isn't too often.

Hi Joni! I'm glad folks are helpful most of the time. We need more boyscout types these days. I noticed all the times that I was pregnant, folks were more likely to offer me a seat or help me out another way.

About Me

I'm a contemporary romance author and compulsive reader of both fiction and non-fiction. Romances of any genre top my list of favorite things, along with coffee, chocolate, organic gardening, wildlife (including bugs and reptiles), a quiet beach full of shells, and my family.